City officials looking to improve North Main Street in Dayton after fatal crashes

by Rachel Aragon

Wednesday, February 20th 2019

City officials looking to improve North Main Street in Dayton after fatal crashes (WRGT/WKEF) <p>{/p}

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT) The city of Dayton is looking to revamp North Main Street after several deadly crashes. It is now partnering with ODOT and others to map out the best safety measures to prevent future accidents.

In January 17-year-old Dyimond Wright was killed by a hit and run driver while crossing Main Street at night. Her friend was critically injured.

Wright is one of many pedestrians killed or hurt along North Main Street over the years.

"It just seems like we’ve seen no progress," said Dayton Resident, Nancy Milligan.

She has lived on and around North Main street since 1985. She's one of many residents weighing in on how to improve the safety for drivers and pedestrians along North Main St.

“We have to slow down the traffic on North Main Street,” she said.

Speed, poor lighting and 900 crashes in a three year period, six of them deadly, has officials taking a closer look at North Main Street and brainstorming solutions.

“If you’re doing to road diet and move curbs, there’s big expense to that,” said Joe Weinel, Senior Engineer for the city of Dayton.

The city, ODOT and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission are conducting a traffic study for North Main Street from Great Miami Boulevard to Shiloh Springs Road.

“We’ll take their recommendations and then try to go after funding or see what kind of improvements they can do,” said Weinel.

The city is considering everything including pedestrian crosswalks with flashing lights and extra signs. Weinel said the city will seek state and federal grants to pay for the improvements.

One of the biggest crash problem areas is the Turner - Shoup Mill intersection.

"Speed has become such a real issue on North Main Street,” said Milligan.

Milligan hopes that this study turns into real solutions.

“I think in order to keep the neighbors and the residents encouraged you have to do something, you have to show them something, and you can’t take 2,3, 4 years to do it,” she said.

The city said it hopes to present the public with the study recommendations this spring.